DeafandHoH Contributors

I was born with a moderate hearing loss. My parents didn't find out about it until my speech impediment prompted them to take me to an ENT specialist. I was put in special education classes for students with hearing loss, then mainstreamed in middle school. After graduating high school, I earned a 4-year degree in Arts/Graphic Design from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Now, I work as a full-time web designer.

I created this website in 2008 as a hobby because I always felt like an outsider due to my hearing loss, and I wanted to reach out to others. As time went on, I added more features-- a blog, discussion forum, chat room, Facebook group, Twitter account, etc. I plan to continue expanding the website so that it can better serve the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Rachel CainStaff Writer/Editor

I am a sophomore at the University of Dayton and am an English and International Studies double major with a minor in Spanish. I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through my involvement with DeafAnHoH.com. At UD, I participate in the Alpha Phi Omega national co-ed service fraternity, several campus publications, and the marching and pep bands. In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, sewing, and sharing time with my friends.

Though Iíve had past work experience working with individuals in the deaf and hard of hearing community, Iím excited to gain a new perspective through DeafandHoH.com and hope to become more involved in the community.

Bailey HaysSocial Media Coordinator

I am from Akron, OH and I am currently a sophomore at Ohio University. I plan on graduating with a B.S. in Journalism and a minor in business. I am focusing on public relations and hope to work as a publicist or PR specialist.

I enjoying working with a team of people and using new media tools. I cannot wait to learn more about the deaf and hard of hearing community and be able to get involved! In my spare time, I enjoy running, baking and exploring new places.

Nikki SchneidermanSocial Media Coordinator

My name is Nikki, and I am from Westchester, New York. I am currently a Junior at Ohio University studying communications and marketing. I also am completing a certificate in social media and I am extremely excited to grow professionally here at DeafandHoH.com. Not only am I happy to apply my skills and knowledge to this position, but I am thrilled to be working with for such a great cause.

When I am not studying or watching Netflix, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and photography. I am a big team player and love being part of a group. All and all I am very excited to be a part of this community and to learn from this experience.

Alexis ShindlerMarketing and Research Coordinator

I am currently a Junior at Ohio University pursuing a major in Health Services Administration with a minor in Business. I have achieved 21st Century Leadership and Professional Leadership Certificates, and have strong interests in marketing and research and development. Upon graduation, I want to work in the healthcare industry in a business and administrative capacity where I can grow personally and professionally.

I am very excited for this opportunity to grow my knowledge and contribute to the deaf and hard of hearing community. I enjoy collaborating with others and look forward to applying my skills and interests to this great cause.

Lynnsey NicolaiMarketing Communications Coordinator

I am currently a junior at Ohio University working towards my Bachelorís degree in communication studies. I am also working towards a marketing minor, a business administration minor, and a certificate in social media. After graduating, I hope to use my passion for communication and writing to work in the creative and exciting field of marketing and communications.

I am very excited to work with the deaf and hard of hearing community because not only will I have the opportunity to grow my skills in marketing and communication, but I will also be contributing to an amazing cause. I am so excited to learn more about this community and to collaborate with a new team of people!

Christopher FischerDeaf Sports Commentator

I was born in Santiago, Chile. It is not known whether my hearing loss was genetic or happened as a result of other factors due to unclear medical records during my infancy. I have spent nearly all my life living in southeastern Wisconsin, dealing with severe hearing loss in my left ear and moderate hearing loss in my right ear. Today, I wear a single completely-in-canal hearing aid in my right ear. I graduated in December 2012 from the University of Wisconsin Ė Madison where I earned a Bachelorís degree studying English. In my spare time, I play baseball, basketball, and tennis. I also enjoy snowboarding and reading, and I am a passionate fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers. I look forward to the opportunity to spread forth the message that DeafandHOH.com wishes to extend out to others, as well as the chance to share some of my own experiences with my hearing loss in the hopes that they will help others in similar situations.

Jordyn JablonskiWeb Developer

I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee studying Design and Visual Communication. I have a particular interest in web and user experience design, so I am excited to learn more and get experience in these topics through DeafandHoH.com

I am currently employed as the only Graphic Design intern at UWMís Integrated Marketing, producing and outputting all the official material for the university. I am driven by solutions to real world problems, and creating an easier and pleasing experience for clients and users. When I am not designing, I enjoy lifting weights, learning Japanese, and cooking group dinners with my friends.

Kristen DonahueGraphic Designer

My name is Kristen, and I live in a small town north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I am currently enrolled in the graphic design program at Rasmussen College and will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in 2018. I also have a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of St. Scholastica. The combination of these two disciplines allows me to present ideas and designs to audiences in fun, creative ways. I am very excited to be involved with this community! In my spare time I enjoy arts, films, books, and spending time with my family and friends.